Xue Qingluan was, of course, just teasing Oscar. After what had happened, it was naturally impossible for Shui Bing'er to stay at the academy any longer.
With Oscar's invitation, the Sword Sect was indeed a good place for her to go , it had both influence and resources, which would help her growth greatly.
Of course, if Shui Bing'er and Oscar could be matched together, Xue Qingluan would be happy to see that as well. After all, the two were about the same age, and Oscar was certainly very capable.
If it really happened, it would make quite a fine story.
The master marrying the master, the disciple marrying the disciple… Why did it suddenly feel like she was getting the short end of the stick?
No, not really. One of them was the Grand Elder, and the other was the sect's heir. They would both instantly become leaders of top-tier powers.
Xue Qingluan stopped teasing Oscar and said, "Come with me, I'll take you to see Bing'er."
"Elders, please rest here for a while. We'll be right back."
Oscar was briefly stunned, then stood up and followed her.
Leaving the pavilion, the two headed straight for the mimic training grounds, where Shui Bing'er was diligently cultivating.
Back at the Soul Master Tournament, she had already reached Rank 43 at only sixteen years old. Now, after more than a year, she had reached Rank 47 , not far from Rank 50.
At her current pace, she would likely break through Rank 50 by the age of eighteen. Her talent might not match Ma Hongjun, who had taken immortal-grade pills, but it already surpassed the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation.
Across the entire continent, Shui Bing'er's talent could truly be considered top-tier.
She was still young enough to compete in the next tournament. By then, she would only be twenty-one , and by that time, she might already have at least Rank 55 strength.
That level of talent was extremely rare in this era. Even Tang Hao in his youth might not have been any better.
So from this perspective, Shui Bing'er definitely had the potential to reach Rank 100 one day. With the Sword Sect's abundant resources, her future achievements might not be any less than Ma Hongjun's.
The more Oscar thought about it, the more he wanted to recruit this genius. If he could win her over, his group would gain another powerhouse.
When Shui Bing'er noticed Xue Qingluan and Oscar approaching, she stopped training and walked over. "Teacher, Young Sect Master."
She had met Oscar before , back at the Soul Master Tournament, she too had been drawn to his charm.
Oscar smiled. "No need to be so formal, junior sister. We're the same age. I may have graduated, but if you don't mind, just call me senior brother."
Looking at the handsome and gentle Oscar, Shui Bing'er smiled sweetly. "Senior brother."
Oscar chuckled in response, and Xue Qingluan smiled as well. "Looks like you two already know each other. No need for introductions, then."
Xue Qingluan led them to a nearby pavilion to sit down. She hadn't planned on telling Shui Bing'er about Xu Que's matter, but since she wanted her to willingly join the Sword Sect, it had to be said.
After a brief hesitation, she explained everything. When Shui Bing'er learned the truth, tears filled her eyes.
"Teacher, thank you. I thought you were upset because you couldn't bear to leave the academy… I didn't realize it was because of me…"
Shui Bing'er was very emotional. Even with Oscar nearby, she couldn't help but cry openly. Her teacher had borne so much for her, and she didn't know how to repay it.
Xue Qingluan gently patted her back. "It's all right now. Everything's been resolved. You can't stay at the academy anymore, so how about going with Oscar to the Sword Sect today?"
Shui Bing'er choked back her tears and shook her head. "I want to stay with you, teacher. In two months, it'll be your wedding. Let me be your bridesmaid, all right?"
Oscar's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. It's only two months anyway. She can come along with teacher when the time comes , saves the trouble of another trip."
Xue Qingluan nodded. "That's fine. I still have much to discuss with Bing'er anyway."
Shui Bing'er suddenly asked, "Can my sister Yue and my father come with me then?"
Xue Qingluan explained, "Bing'er has a half-sister and her father, Shui Yuntian. He's contributed a lot to the academy over the years. I was originally planning to make him head instructor, but with what's happened, he can't stay either."
Oscar thought for a moment. "That's fine. Your father and sister can come to Shrek Academy to teach and study. What level is your father now?"
Shui Bing'er replied, "He just broke through to Rank 75. He can definitely teach."
Oscar smiled. "A Soul Saint would be welcomed anywhere. He'll be well-treated at Shrek Academy."
Shui Bing'er bowed gratefully. "Thank you, senior brother. I'll treat the Sword Sect as my home from now on."
Oscar waved his hand. "No need for thanks. We'll be family soon. Just focus on cultivating , that'll be the best repayment."
Shui Bing'er nodded firmly. After all that had happened, she understood better than ever that only true strength could free her from others' control.
By the time Oscar and the others left the academy, it was already dusk. They stayed overnight at a hotel in Tianshui City and planned to return to the Sword Sect the next day.
Late at night, the two elders dropped their disguises.
"Oscar, you did well today. Your teacher gives you a thumbs up."
Oscar laughed. "You've had it harder, teacher. You've had to act so long to avoid being noticed by mistress, right?"
Gai Yue smiled bitterly. "Even though I haven't known Qingluan long, somehow we're already very in sync. I was afraid she'd notice something off."
Oscar grinned. "Looks like you two really are made for each other."
Gai Yue coughed. "Enough about me. What do you think of that girl Shui Bing'er? I noticed the way she looked at you before we left."
Oscar's face darkened. "Teacher, don't say that. My heart belongs only to my sister. If you start matchmaking randomly, she'll beat you up."
Gai Yue smiled wryly. Of course, he hoped Oscar would stay loyal, but as the sect heir, some things were beyond his control.
No matter what kind of bond it was, family ties were always the strongest.
With the Xuanyin Sect problem settled, this matter was finally concluded.
They hadn't just gained the genius Shui Bing'er, but also a Soul Saint and her talented sister Shui Yue'er.
The group didn't rush back and reached Heaven Dou City after half a month.
Just as Oscar entered the city, a team of golden-armored soldiers approached.
"Young Sect Master Oscar, His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence." The leader handed him Xue Qinghe's token.
Oscar was a bit surprised , he hadn't expected Xue Qinghe to summon him now.
He told the elders to return to Mori City and followed the soldiers to a grand garden.
Inside, he was led to a pavilion where only Xue Qinghe sat, calmly brewing tea in the gentle breeze.
Seeing Oscar, he rose and smiled. "Oscar, thank you for coming on such short notice."
Oscar smiled politely. "You flatter me, Brother Xue. Since you sent for me personally, of course I'd come."
They sat down. Xue Qinghe poured tea for him, and after a sip, Oscar smiled brightly. "You remembered what I like. This tea isn't bitter at all , it's smooth and sweet, like fine wine."
"If you like it, take some with you later," said Xue Qinghe, refilling his cup.
"I wonder what brings me here today?"
Xue Qinghe set down the teapot. "My father heard about your Grand Elder's upcoming wedding with the Tianshui Dean. He asked me to invite you to represent your sect in offering congratulations."
Oscar raised an eyebrow. "If that were all, you wouldn't have invited me alone, would you?"
Xue Qinghe smiled. "You really can't be fooled. Yes, there's something else I wanted to discuss."
Oscar waved a hand modestly. "Brother Xue, as the Crown Prince, you've seen and handled far more than I have. What could you possibly need my advice for?"
Xue Qinghe sighed. "Don't say that. You've only been managing your sect's affairs for a year, yet your reputation already precedes you. Even I admire your diplomatic skill."
He paused, then added, "In my position, I have few peers I can talk to. I simply wanted to hear your thoughts."
Oscar nodded. "In that case, please go on."
Xue Qinghe didn't hide it. "Over the past year, many kingdoms and duchies under the Empire have been acting strangely, making secret contact with the Spirit Hall. I don't think this bodes well. If it were you, how would you handle it?"
Oscar's face remained calm, though he was puzzled inside.
He already knew that Xue Qinghe was an undercover agent of Spirit Hall. So why ask him this question?
Was it a test of his attitude toward Spirit Hall, or just a probe to see how he'd respond?
Instead of answering directly, Oscar asked, "What do you think of Spirit Hall, Brother Xue?"
Xue Qinghe was slightly taken aback but replied after a moment's thought. "As the leader of the soul master world, they're beyond reproach. But if they interfere in imperial affairs, that cannot be tolerated."
Oscar smiled. "Then you already have your answer. Spirit Hall may lead the soul master world, but their recent meddling shows ambition. If it were me, I'd never show mercy."
Xue Qinghe nodded. "And how would you act on that?"
Oscar thought for a moment. "Send official letters to all kingdoms and duchies , under the pretext of recognition or appointment , and invite their princes to the capital as hostages.
"At present, they've only made secret contact with Spirit Hall. If any refuse, then send the army.
"In matters like this, the Empire must respond with thunder."
Xue Qinghe nodded approvingly. "Once we have their heirs as hostages, their movements will be contained. Then we can deal with them one by one."
Oscar smiled. "Exactly. Spirit Hall may rule the soul master world, but they don't dare wage open war with an empire , not when it commands a million troops."
Xue Qinghe chuckled. "Seems we think alike."
"But besides the Empire, some independent soul master factions have also grown close to Spirit Hall. How would you deal with them?"
Oscar paused. "That depends on your skill, Brother Xue. No matter how strong they are, they still rely on the Empire's protection. Otherwise, they'd have to hide from the world."
Xue Qinghe looked at him carefully. "Then if Spirit Hall were to negotiate with your sect, which side would you take?"
Oscar met his gaze. "What do you think the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would do?"
Xue Qinghe thought. "Your teacher and my mentor are as close as family. I believe your sect would side firmly with the Empire."
Oscar smiled faintly. "The Sword Sect only recently emerged. We have no wish to see war. We won't take sides, but we won't let anyone stir up conflict either."
Hearing that, Xue Qinghe raised an eyebrow. "I see what you mean."
After that, Oscar left. They had only shared tea and talked a bit , nothing more.
As he walked away, Oscar couldn't help feeling puzzled. That was it?
Once he was gone, countless golden snakes slithered out from the shadows, merging into the form of a tall man. From the pond, a giant pufferfish surfaced and transformed into a burly figure.
Xue Qinghe took a sip of tea. "What do you think, uncles?"
The Snake Lance Douluo frowned. "Your Highness, maybe it's just me, but I felt as though he sensed our presence."
The Pufferfish Douluo agreed. "I felt it too."
Xue Qinghe's brows furrowed. "Impossible. Even with his talent, he's only been cultivating for a year or so. At most, he's a Soul Emperor now. How could he possibly detect you two?"
The Snake Lance Douluo was quiet for a moment. "If it were just me, I'd think it was an illusion. But since the Pufferfish Douluo felt the same…"
The Pufferfish Douluo nodded. "It was only for an instant, but yes."
Xue Qinghe looked surprised. "Could it be because he absorbed that Spirit Condensing Wisdom Skull?"
But the Snake Lance Douluo wasn't focused on that. "Your Highness, what matters most is your identity. If he suspects anything…"
Xue Qinghe interrupted, "You worry too much. Even if he does suspect something, he doesn't know the Empire's secrets. It won't matter much.
"If anything, his mindset might become a hindrance to our plan to unify the continent."
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